2003 Dually stinks in snow/mud

[Dean Upson]

The worst truck I ever drove in the snow was my 86 Ford F350 6. 9 2wd. It would spin on frost going down hill . All my (3) Dodge Cummins Duallies (4x4) have been good, the '03 is great so far.



Dean

 

[bmoeller]

Haven't had any trouble with my dually in snow or mud. When I have had to use the 4x4, it has been in the same situations that I've used it with any single wheeled trucks that I have and/ or had ( have owned 3- two 4x4). I use the 4x4 mostly in low range pulling wagons or trailers in the field. I replaced the tires this year. Hope the new ones will do just as good. Replaced Cooper Discoverer H/T's with Cooper Discoverer S/T's.

 

[bkaiser]

My old truck, a 1990 D350, 4. 10 open rear was parked every year from November to March. Like others have said, I could get it stuck on wet grass.



The new truck was ordered as a 4x4 with a posi rear. My 6 mile commute to work has a 600 foot elevation change. So far, two storms - 4 inches of slimmy slush and an honest 8 inches that Penn DOT didn't bother to plow. In 4 high I never slipped a wheel in either storm. The only 'load' I have in the truck is a bed mat and the cap.



I wouldn't be concerned about driving a 4 x dually in the snow.

 

[D808]

Although I haven't as yet had the chance to test my 2003 dually in deep snow, I have driven it on ice. With one side on ice, and the other side on dry blacktop, I noticed no slippage when starting. FINALLY A FACTORY LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL THAT WORKS!!!!! On my previous trucks, I always felt like I wasted money by ordering a limited slip differential in the Dana rear axles. So, I suspect my limited slip dollars will finally pay off when "Big Red the Second" does encounter deep snow. I believe the new American Axle limited slip will definitely help offset the dually traction disadvantages! DODGE TURBO-DIESELS FOREVER!!!!!



Federal Man

 

[Dean Upson]

I went up a steep very icy grade from a dead stop yesterday in 2wd and never spun. I have no weight in the back. This is the best limited slip I ever had as well.



Dean

 

[willyslover]

Driver issue ????????? foot control ????



I'v been running around for a long time with 4x4 Dual wheels and don't seam to have a problem [worse than a single tired rig]... there are times where everyone is at the limits without chains... been in deep snow for 2 days now and no issues. . I live on a steep hill [9/10's mile to my house] and off camber tight turns and been up and down with no issues only have about 40 gals. of fuel onboard right now + tools [out of 89 gal capasity] and no extra weight in the bed. . my normal weight with 40 gals and me is 8700 lbs.



NO FLAME INTENDED

 

[DPKetchum]

Well that may change my mind about duallys. I dont know if your aware the only reason D. C. changed axel suppliers was because of Jeep Gran Cherokee. The differantial failure rate in them was outa site. Some units were replaced in these pushme/pullyou suvs numerous times and some replacements never made it past a test drive!D. C. in house news was that unless this issue corrected asap they would swap vendors,that went on for several model years. I never thought they would stick to their guns but they(D. C. )finally did. It seems for the better all way around. Dana said the problem stemed from large work force that hit retirement age in a large group and quality went down the tubes.

 

[D808]

I wonder if Dana offered it's senior managers a buy-out package to get rid of their high paying positions? A corporation is only as good as it's management! I also wonder if the corporate bean counters might have killed the quality in favor of higher profits?



Federal Man

 

[David Muench]

I wonder if using an aluminum center chunk in the grand cherokee hybrid Dana 44's wasn't such a good idea after all.